Multi-band mimo panel antennas

ABSTRACT

Described are multi-band panel antennas which are configurable to have heavy-duty construction and which are fully IP67 waterproof. Suitable applications for the disclosed antennas include internet of things (IoT) gateway and IoT routers, HD video streaming, transportation, and remote monitoring applications. Additionally, the antennas can deliver MIMO coverage technology for worldwide 4G LTE bands at 698 to 960 MHz/1710 to 2170 MHz/2490 to 2690 MHz/3300 to 3600 MHz, Satellite Band, dual-band 2.4/5.8 GHz WiFi, and GNSS (GPS-GLONASS-BeiDou).

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/383,110, filed Sep. 2, 2016, entitled Multi-Band MIMO Panel Antenna,which application is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

In view of continuous improvements within the field of wirelesscommunication technology, the trend in the tele-communication industryis to move to 4th generation, or 4G communication systems, for increaseddata rate requirements. The improved data rates achieved by 4Gcommunication systems require multiple antennas on one or both ends ofthe communication link. This Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO)protocol and modulation scheme commonly requires multiple antennasoperating in the same frequency band to be integrated into portable aswell as stationary communication devices. The multiple antennas situatedin the portable electronic devices, such as laptop computers, mobilephones, and personal digital assistants (PDAs) must work in unison toreceive and transmit multiple data streams. These MIMO antennas arerequired to maintain high isolation and low pattern correlation foroptimum link quality and to achieve the desired high data rates comparedto 2G and 3G communication protocols.

Currently, 4G wireless applications demand high speed data uplink anddownlink. High efficiency and high gain MIMO antennas are necessary toachieve the required signal to noise ratio and throughput required tosolve these challenges. Such antennas must also have high isolationamong to prevent self-interference.

Numerous signal bands often require specification and installation ofmultiple and/or different antennas. What is needed is a single antennathat efficiently covers multiple bands, enabling designers to specifyone and only one antenna for all frequencies for Long Term Evolution(LTE), Global Positioning System (GPS)/Global Navigation SatelliteSystem (GLONASS/BeiDou (GNSS)), Satellite Band, and WiFi (IEEE 802.11bwireless networking).

SUMMARY

Disclosed are multi-band panel antennas. Antennas are configurable todeliver Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) coverage technology forworldwide 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) bands at 698 to 960 MHz/1710 to2170 MHz/2490 to 2690 MHz/3300 to 3600 MHz, Satellite Band (1-2 GHz),dual-band 2.4/5.8 GHz WiFi, and GNSS (GPS-GLONASS-BeiDou), eliminatingthe need for multiple antennas. GPS is an acronym for Global PositioningSystem. GLONASS is an acronym for Globalnaya Navigazionnaya SputnikovayaSistema, or Global Navigation Satellite System. GLONASS is Russia'sversion of GPS. BeiDou is shorthand for BeiDou Navigation SatelliteSystem (or BDS) which is the satellite system developed by the Chinese.

An aspect of the disclosure is directed to multi-band MIMO panelantennas. The multi-band MIMO panel antennas comprise: a housing havinga top surface and a bottom surface which encloses multi-band MIMO panelantenna electronics on an interior surface opposite a mounting surfacewherein the housing has a plurality of apertures along an exteriorsurface configurable to engage a plurality of cables separated into twocable entry points. Additionally, one or more pass-through grommets canbe provided. The pass through grommets can have an elastomer layer whichis breached by the cable during installation. The pass-through grommetsare configurable to engage two or more cables. A plurality of apertureson the housing surface are adjacent each other on a side of the housing.The housing is at least one of rectangular and square. In someconfigurations, there is a first pass-through grommet and a secondpass-through grommet. An adhesive layer on an exterior surface tofacilitate mounting. Additionally, a plurality of labels can be providedto identify the cable and antenna type. The panel antenna isconfigurable to provide antenna electronics within the housing thatcover 698 to 960 MHz, 1710 to 2170 MHz, 2490 to 2690 MHz, 3300 to 3600MHz, Satellite Band of 1-2 GHz, and dual-band frequencies of 2.4 GHz and5.8 GHz. In some configrations, a first aperture engages a first 2/4/5GHz WiFi coaxial cable, a second aperture engages a GPS-GLONASS-BeiDoucoaxial cable, a third aperture engages a first 2G/3G/4G coaxial cable,a fourth aperture engages a second 2G/3G/4G coaxial cable, a fifthaperture engages a satellite band coaxial cable, and a sixth apertureengages a second 2/4/5 GHz WiFi coaxial cable.

Another aspect of the disclosure is directed to multi-band MIMO panelantennas comprising: a housing having a top surface and a bottom surfacewhich encloses multi-band MIMO panel antenna electronics on an interiorsurface opposite a mounting surface wherein the housing has a pluralityof apertures along an exterior surface configurable to engage aplurality of cables separated into two cable entry points; a pluralityof cables selected from a 2G/3G/4G coaxial cable, a GPS-GLONASS-BeiDoucoaxial cable, a satellite band coaxial cable, and a 2/4/5 GHz WiFicoaxial cable, wherein each of the plurality of cables passes from aninterior of the housing to an exterior of the housing through acorresponding aperture of the plurality of apertures. Additionally oneor more pass-through grommets can be provided. The pass-through grommetsare configurable to engage two or more cables. The plurality ofapertures are adjacent each other on a side of the housing. The housingis at least one of rectangular and square. A first pass-through grommetand a second pass-through grommet can be provided. An adhesive layer canbe provided on an exterior surface. Additionally, a plurality of labelsfor the cables can be provided. The panel antenna is configurable tocover 698 to 960 MHz, 1710 to 2170 MHz, 2490 to 2690 MHz, 3300 to 3600MHz, Satellite Band of 1-2 GHz, and dual-band frequencies of 2.4 GHz and5.8 GHz.

Still another aspect of the disclosure is directed to kits. Suitablekits comprise: a multi-band MIMO panel antenna comprising a housinghaving a top surface and a bottom surface which encloses multi-band MIMOpanel antenna electronics on an interior surface opposite a mountingsurface wherein the housing has a plurality of apertures along anexterior surface configurable to engage a plurality of cables separatedinto two cable entry points configurable to engage a plurality ofcables; and a plurality of cables selected from a 2G/3G/4G coaxialcable, a GPS-GLONASS-BeiDou, a satellite band coaxial cable, and a 2/4/5GHz WiFi coaxial cable.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in thisspecification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent asif each individual publication, patent, or patent application wasspecifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.See, for example:

U.S. Pat. No. 5,936,587 A issued Aug. 10, 1999, to Gudilev et al. forSmall antenna for portable radio equipment;

U.S. Pat. No. 6,842,148 B2 issued Jan. 11, 2005, to Hendler et al. forFabrication method and apparatus for antenna structures in wirelesscommunications devices;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,408,512 B1 issued Aug. 5, 2008, to Rodenbeck, et al. forAntenna with distributed strip and integrated electronic components;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,411,554 B2 issued Aug. 12, 2008, to Jung et al. for MIMOantenna operable in multiband;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,714,795 B2 issued May 11, 2010, to Wen et al. forMulti-band antenna apparatus disposed on a three-dimensional substrate,and associated methodology, for a radio device;

U.S. Pat. No. 8,952,850 B2 issued Feb. 10, 2015, to Park et al. for Mimoantenna apparatus; and

U.S. Pat. No. 9,413,069 B2 issued Aug. 9, 2016, to Chieh et al. forCompact, Multi-port WiFi dual band MIMO antenna System.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity inthe appended claims. A better understanding of the features andadvantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to thefollowing detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments,in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and theaccompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1A is a top view of a multi-band panel antenna; FIG. 1B is a bottomview of an antenna; FIG. 1C is a perspective view of a multi-band panelantenna;

FIG. 2 is a table of antenna and filter specifications forBeiDou-GPS-GLONASS frequencies;

FIG. 3 is a table of antenna specifications for 2G/3G/4G LTEfrequencies;

FIG. 4 is a table of antenna specifications for 2.4 GHz/5 GHz WiFifrequencies;

FIG. 5 is a table of antenna specifications for Satellite Band 1621 MHz;

FIG. 6 is a table of mechanical and environmental specifications for anantenna;

FIG. 7A is a figure of the panel antenna affixed to an interior windowof a vehicle; and FIG. 7B is a figure of the panel antenna affixed to anexterior surface of a vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein are multi-band MIMO panel antennas. The multi-band MIMOpanel antennas are configurable to have heavy-duty construction andfully IP67 waterproof, for use in a variety of applications. Suitableapplications include internet of things (IoT) gateway and IoT routers,high definition (HD) video streaming, transportation, and remotemonitoring applications. The multi-band MIMO panel antennas are designedfor simple secure attachment using, for example, 3M® two-sided foamadhesive. Additionally, the multi-band MIMO panel antennas can deliverMIMO coverage technology for worldwide 4G LTE bands at 698 to 960MHz/1710 to 2170 MHz/2490 to 2690 MHz/3300 to 3600 MHz, Satellite Band,dual-band 2.4/5.8 GHz WiFi, and GNSS (GPS-GLONASS-BeiDou). In additionto L-band, other bands can be used including, for example, K-band,S-band, and C-band. As such the multi-band MIMO panel antenna eliminatesthe need for device designers to specify multiple antennas.

FIGS. 1A-C illustrate several different views of an embodiment of amulti-band MIMO panel antenna 100 according to the disclosure. Aplurality of antenna elements are positioned on the interior of theenclosure 101 so that the antenna elements are located on the inside ofthe top surface 110 of the enclosure 101 and away from the interior ofthe bottom surface 148 of the enclosure 101. By positioning the antennaelements within the enclosure closest to the surface that faces awayfrom the mounting surface, antenna RF performance will be optimized. Thedevice is designed to be mounted on a non-conductive surface (e.g.,glass, plastic or composite). However, in some implementations thedevice is mounted on a conductive surface (e.g., metal). Mounting thedevice on a conductive surface significantly degrades the antenna RFperformance. Constructing the device to create as much space as possiblebetween the antenna elements in the interior of the enclosure and themounting surface minimizes the performance degradation. An adhesivelayer (not shown) can be provided on an exterior surface of the panelantenna 100 so that the panel antenna is mounted so that the electronicsinside the antenna are positioned towards the sky. Typically theadhesive layer is positioned on the top surface 110 when the panelantenna is mounted on an interior surface and on the bottom surface 148when the panel antenna is mounted on an exterior surface.

FIG. 1A is a front view of the multi-band MIMO panel antenna 100 withenclosure 101, or housing, having a primarily rectangular shape of lowprofile and uniform thickness. Enclosure 101 has a top surface 110 and,as illustrated, has a first side 102, a second side 104, a third side106 and a fourth side 108, numbered clockwise when viewed from above.Suitable dimensions of the enclosure 101 are a length L1 of about140-150 mm, a width W1 of 130-140 mm, and a thickness of about 15-25 mm(e.g., height of second side 104). As illustrated, a first arc 112 formsa corner between fourth side 108 and first side 102; second arc 114forms a corner between first side 102 and second side 104; third arc 116forms a corner between second side 104 and third side 106; fourth arc118 forms a corner between third side 106 and fourth side 108. Theresulting perimeter of enclosure 101 is that of a rectangle with roundedcorners. Additionally, the top surface 110 can be curved towards theside surfaces (102-108). As will be appreciated by those skilled in theart, the electronics and orientation of the electronics positionedwithin the enclosure 101 can vary.

Along third side 106 are a first cable pass-through grommet 120 and asecond cable pass-through grommet 122, numbered sequentially from leftto right as viewed from above, each of which provides pass-through forthree antenna cables from exterior to the interior of enclosure 101. Thetwo separate coaxial cable entry points of the first cable pass-throughgrommet 120 and the second cable pass-through grommet 122 balance thepull force of the coaxial cables across a width of the housing where thecable pass-through grommets are positioned. As will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art, the cable pass-through grommets are shownpositioned along the third side. However, the cable pass-throughgrommets can be positioned on any surface of the housing withoutdeparting from the scope of the disclosure.

A first cable 124, second cable 126, and third cable 128, allpass-through the cable pass-through grommet 120 from left to right asviewed from above. Fourth cable 130, fifth cable 132, and sixth cable134, all pass-through the cable pass-through grommet 122 from left toright as viewed from above. As will be appreciated by those skilled inthe art, cables passing through a particular grommet can be changedwithout departing from the scope of the disclosure. The quantity, typeand location of the coaxial cables can vary widely. The order of theecables illustrated are an example of an optimal mechanical orientationfor efficient construction for a particular antenna configuration. Othercable orientations can be used without departing from the scope of thedisclosure. The use of inline rubber plug gaskets creates a water sealbetween the coaxial cables and the interior of the enclosure 101 (andthus protects the electronics within the housing from moisture). The useof inline rubber plug gaskets also allows for the use of a singleenclosure part number for a wide variety of antenna elements and coaxialcable options. This allows for minimum tooling supporting a wide varietyof product configurations. The rubber gasket apertures (or holes) can besealed at one end with, for example, an elastomer layer or membrane.Other sealing material can be used including, for example, silicone orrubber. Sealing the rubber gasket apertures allows a single rubbergasket part number to be used for a wide variety of options by simplypushing a selected coaxial cable through the elastomer membrane. Theelastomer membrane may be pierced by the coaxial cable itself or a tooland may self-seal around the exterior of the coaxial cable.

The cables (124-134) are selected from the group comprising RG174 andKSR200-P. Each cable (124-134) has a connection end (136-146) selectedfrom the group comprising: connector type RG174, and connector typeKSR200-P.

Each cable (124-134) further includes a label (170-180) which providesidentifying information selected from: the type of cable, the type ofconnector and/or the type of antenna. An additional label 182 can beprovided which is empty and/or includes a bar code. Other mechanisms foridentifying the cable type and/or antenna can be used without departingfrom the scope of the disclosure including for example, color coding ofthe cable and/or connector.

TABLE 1 Exemplar Cables, Connectors and Antennas CABLE CONNECTOR CABLETYPE TYPE ANTENNA First Cable 124 KSR200-P KSR200-P 2G/3G/4G MMO2 SMA(M)ST Second Cable 126 RG174 RG174 GPS-GLONASS- SMA(M) BEIDU Third Cable128 KSR200-P KSR200-P RP- 2.4/5 GH MMO2 SMA(M) ST Fourth Cable 130KSR200-P KSR200-P RP- 2.4/5 GH MMO1 SMA(M) ST Fifth Cable 132 KSR200-PKSR200-P L-Band SMA(M) ST Sixth Cable 134 KSR200-P KSR200-P 2G/3G/4GMMO1 SMA(M) ST

For attachment to external electronics, first cable has a typical lengthC1 for each of the cables of about 1 meter. The labels are positionableat a distance of about C2 from the connector end of the cables, where C2is 65-75 mm. For connection to external electronics each cable isprovided with a typical end SubMiniature version A (SMA) connector.

Illustrated in FIG. 1B is a bottom view of enclosure 101. Enclosure 101has a bottom surface 148 and, as illustrated, has a first side 102, asecond side 104, a third side 106 and a fourth side 108, numberedcounter-clockwise when viewed from below. As illustrated, first arc 112resides between first side 102 and fourth side 108; fourth arc 118resides between fourth side 108 and third side 106; third arc 116resides between third side 106 and second side 104; second arc 114resides between second side 104 and first side 102. The resultingperimeter of enclosure 101 is that of a rectangle with rounded corners.Along fourth side 106 are a first cable pass-through grommet 120 and asecond cable pass-through grommet 122, numbered sequentially from rightto left as viewed from below, each of which provides pass-through forthree antenna cables from exterior to the interior of enclosure 101.

First cable 124, second cable 126, and third cable 128, all pass-throughthe cable pass-through grommet 120 from right to left as viewed frombelow. Fourth cable 130, fifth cable 132, and sixth cable 134, all thecable pass-through grommet 122 from right to left as viewed from below.

Illustrated in FIG. 1C is a perspective view of enclosure 101. Evidentin the illustration is top surface 110, first side 102, second side 104,third side 106, fourth side 108, first arc 112, second arc 114, thirdarc 116, fourth arc 118, first cable pass-through grommet 120, andsecond cable pass-through grommet 122, as described in FIGS. 1A-B. Firstcable pass-through grommet 120, has a plurality of apertures tofacilitate connection of cables from the internal antennas to externalelectronics. First aperture 150, second aperture 152, and third aperture154 numbered from left to right are illustrated. Second cablepass-through grommet 122, has a plurality of apertures to facilitateconnection of cables from the internal antennas to external electronics.Fourth aperture 156, fifth aperture 158, and sixth aperture 160 numberedfrom left to right are illustrated.

FIG. 2 is a table of antenna and filter specifications forBeiDou-GPS-GLONASS frequencies. It includes specifications for passiveantenna, low-noise amplifier and filter electrical properties, andcomplete specification from antenna through low-noise amplifier andfilter. FIG. 3 is a table of antenna specifications for 2G/3G/4G LTEfrequencies. It includes efficiency, average gain and peak gain data foreach LTE antenna for a variety of cable lengths as well as other data.FIG. 4 is a table of antenna specifications for 2.4 GHz/5 GHz WiFifrequencies. It includes efficiency, average gain and peak gain data foreach WiFi antenna for a variety of cable lengths as well as other data.FIG. 5 is a table of antenna specifications for Satellite Band 1621 MHz.It includes axial ratio, polarization, average gain, peak gain andefficiency numbers. FIG. 6 is a table of mechanical and environmentalspecifications for an antenna according to the disclosure. It includesdimension, weight, operating and storage temperatures. As will beappreciated by those skilled in the art, satellite band can includeL-band, K-band, S-band, C-band, and any other band that achievessatellite communication.

Components of the disclosure can be provided in kit form. For example, amulti-band MIMO panel antenna comprising a housing having a top surfaceand a bottom surface which encloses multi-band MIMO panel antennaelectronics having a plurality of apertures along an exterior surfaceconfigurable to engage a plurality of cables, wherein a first apertureis configurable to engage a 2G/3G/4G coaxial cable, a second aperture isconfigurable to engage a GPS-GLONASS-BeiDou coaxial cable, a thirdaperture is configurable to engage a satellite band coaxial cable, andtwo or more apertures are configurable a to engage a 2/4/5 GHz WiFicoaxial cable; and a plurality of cables selected from a 2G/3G/4Gcoaxial cable, a GPS-GLONASS-BeiDou, an L-band coaxial cable, and a2/4/5 GHz WiFi coaxial cable which are packaged for commercial sale toan end user. Labels can be preinstalled on the cables or provided in thepackage.

FIG. 7A is a figure of the panel antenna 100 affixed to an interiorwindow of a vehicle 710. The window is a non-conductive surface and thepanel antenna is mounted so that the antenna elements within the panelantenna are close to the window 712. FIG. 7B is a figure of the panelantenna 100 affixed to an exterior surface of a vehicle 720 on aconductive surface such as a trunk lid 722. Where the panel antenna 100is affixed to an exterior surface, the antenna elements inside the panelantenna are positioned away from the conductive surface.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown anddescribed herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art thatsuch embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerousvariations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilledin the art without departing from the invention. It should be understoodthat various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention describedherein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is intended thatthe following claims define the scope of the invention and that methodsand structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents becovered thereby.

What is claimed is:
 1. A multi-band MIMO panel antenna comprising: ahousing having a top surface and a bottom surface which enclosesmulti-band MIMO panel antenna electronics on an interior surfaceopposite a mounting surface wherein the housing has a plurality ofapertures along an exterior surface configurable to engage a pluralityof cables separated into two cable entry points.
 2. The multi-band MIMOpanel antenna of claim 1 further comprising a pass-through grommet. 3.The multi-band MIMO panel antenna of claim 2 wherein the pass-throughgrommet is configurable to engage two or more cables.
 4. The multi-bandMIMO panel antenna of claim 1 wherein the plurality of apertures on thehousing surface are adjacent each other on a side of the housing.
 5. Themulti-band MIMO panel antenna of claim 1 wherein the housing is at leastone of rectangular and square.
 6. The multi-band MIMO panel antenna ofclaim 1 further comprising a first pass-through grommet and a secondpass-through grommet.
 7. The multi-band MIMO panel antenna of claim 1further comprising an adhesive layer on an exterior surface.
 8. Themulti-band MIMO panel antenna of claim 1 further comprising a pluralityof labels.
 9. The multi-band MIMO panel antenna of claim 1 configured tocover 698 to 960 MHz, 1710 to 2170 MHz, 2490 to 2690 MHz, 3300 to 3600MHz, Satellite Band of 1-2 GHz, and dual-band frequencies of 2.4 GHz and5.8 GHz.
 10. The multi-band MIMO panel antenna of claim 1 wherein afirst aperture engages a first 2/4/5 GHz WiFi coaxial cable, a secondaperture engages a GPS-GLONASS-BeiDou coaxial cable, a third apertureengages a first 2G/3G/4G coaxial cable, a fourth aperture engages asecond 2G/3G/4G coaxial cable, a fifth aperture engages a satellite bandcoaxial cable, and a sixth aperture engages a second 2/4/5 GHz WiFicoaxial cable.
 11. A multi-band MIMO panel antenna comprising: a housinghaving a top surface and a bottom surface which encloses multi-band MIMOpanel antenna electronics on an interior surface opposite a mountingsurface wherein the housing has a plurality of apertures along anexterior surface configurable to engage a plurality of cables separatedinto two cable entry points; a plurality of cables selected from a2G/3G/4G coaxial cable, a GPS-GLONASS-BeiDou coaxial cable, a satelliteband coaxial cable, and a 2/4/5 GHz WiFi coaxial cable, wherein each ofthe plurality of cables passes from an interior of the housing to anexterior of the housing through a corresponding aperture of theplurality of apertures.
 12. The multi-band MIMO panel antenna of claim11 further comprising a pass-through grommet.
 13. The multi-band MIMOpanel antenna of claim 12 wherein the pass-through grommet isconfigurable to engage two or more cables.
 14. The multi-band MIMO panelantenna of claim 11 wherein the plurality of apertures are adjacent eachother on a side of the housing.
 15. The multi-band MIMO panel antenna ofclaim 11 wherein the housing is at least one of rectangular and square.16. The multi-band MIMO panel antenna of claim 11 further comprising afirst pass-through grommet and a second pass-through grommet.
 17. Themulti-band MIMO panel antenna of claim 11 further comprising an adhesivelayer on an exterior surface.
 18. The multi-band MIMO panel antenna ofclaim 11 further comprising a plurality of labels.
 19. The multi-bandMIMO panel antenna of claim 11 configured to cover 698 to 960 MHz, 1710to 2170 MHz, 2490 to 2690 MHz, 3300 to 3600 MHz, Satellite Band of 1-2GHz, and dual-band frequencies of 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz.
 20. A kitcomprising: a multi-band MIMO panel antenna comprising a housing havinga top surface and a bottom surface which encloses multi-band MIMO panelantenna electronics on an interior surface opposite a mounting surfacewherein the housing has a plurality of apertures along an exteriorsurface configurable to engage a plurality of cables separated into twocable entry points configurable to engage a plurality of cables; and aplurality of cables selected from a 2G/3G/4G coaxial cable, aGPS-GLONASS-BeiDou, a satellite band coaxial cable, and a 2/4/5 GHz WiFicoaxial cable.